PROFF: PReparing Our Future Faculty

The Graduate School offers several free, interrelated workshops each academic year designed to assist our students with the processes of higher education job searches and entering the ranks of higher education professionals. The workshops are branded as PROFF: Preparing Our Future Faculty under the auspices of the Baylor University Graduate School.

Publicity and administration of the workshops, including participant registration and recruiting instructors and supporting presenters, is handled through the office of Dr. Beth Allison Barr, the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Professional Development.

Spring 2019 Workshops

B1. Seek and Find: An Overview of Applying for Academic EmploymentTuesday, January 29, 2019 – (2:30-4pm) Creekmore Conference Room, Jones Library (second floor)
Securing employment in the academic world often means making the most of every opportunity you are given during the job search process. This session addresses the most active phase of the academic job search process: finding potential positions, parts of the application packet, the academic job search “season,” common practices, hints for procuring good reference letters, and other tips for job searches.
Register here

B2. Compose Yourself: Preparing Your Curriculum Vitae and Cover LettersThursday, February 21, 2019 – (1-2:30pm) Creekmore Conference Room, Jones Library (second floor)
The curriculum vitae (CV) has for years been the basic "unit of currency" in academic hiring and career development. At its most fundamental, the CV establishes your credentials, qualifications and experience. But can a CV do more? How can your CV and cover letter work together? This workshop teaches the considerations of both content and structure in CVs and cover letters that apply in different situations. Bring your CV, because most of this workshop will consist of personal consultation with faculty.
Register here

B3. In a Class of Your Own: Writing Your Statement of Teaching PhilosophyWednesday, March 27, 2019 – (1-2:30pm) Creekmore Conference Room, Jones Library (second floor)
What is a teaching philosophy, and why do I need to have one? Articulating your own teaching philosophy to students and colleagues enriches the learning environment. Moreover, more than half of advertisements for faculty positions now require applicants to submit a statement of teaching philosophy. Come and learn about this vital ingredient in your teaching portfolio, and receive hands-on help in drafting your own statement in the session.
Register here

C1. On the Trail and At the Table: The Substance and Style of InterviewingThursday, April 4, 2019 – (1:30-3pm) Creekmore Conference Room, Jones Library (second floor)
Eventually, paperwork gives way to people work, and the academic job search turns to interviews and campus visits. This workshop focuses on the interviewing phase of the academic job search. You will learn about different types of interviews, multiple rounds of interviews, on-site visits, employer/applicant expectations, and protocol. What can you do to avoid common pitfalls and put your best foot forward? The session closes with a word on what to wear, and serves as a springboard for the next session, the mock interviews.
Register here

C2. Practice Makes Perfect: Mock Interviews Friday, April 12, 2019 – by appointment
Stimulate your job search preparation by participating in a simulated committee interview. You choose the position (hopefully one you are actually applying for), and we gather a mock hiring committee made up of volunteer faculty and administrators who will interview you for it. The interview lasts 40 minutes, immediately followed by a 20-minute debriefing between 'candidate' and 'committee' to discuss strengths and areas for improvement. The entire session (interview and debriefing) lasts one hour and a video recording of the session is provided to the participant for further review. (Note: Participants must attend "On the Trail and At the Table" prior to the mock interview event.) Please note: These mock interviews are for people pursuing faculty positions only. Those interested in non-faculty positions should contact the Office of Career and Professional Development to set up a mock interview.

D2. Primed for Success: Becoming a "Quick Starter" in Your First Academic Job (with Dr. Lenore Wright)Tentatively scheduled for Monday, April 15, 2019 – (12-1:30pm) Creekmore Conference Room, Jones Library (second floor)
Some new faculty enter their work situations and soon their careers are energizing and productive. Others become frustrated, unproductive, and burn out quickly, leaving behind a trail of effort without success and ill feelings toward institutions or even the whole idea of a profession in higher education. This session draws upon research and reflection on these two diverging experiences. What differences lie behind them? There are skills and working styles evident in quick starters that you can use to help yourself as new faculty.
Register here